Where to go in Greece: The best places to stay for all travellers

Rhodes

Best place in Greece for sun worshippers

From tiny coves where turquoise water kisses white pebbles to miles-long stretches of golden sands, Greece's portfolio of beaches is the most varied in Europe – maybe even in the world.

If you're desperate for a blast of spring sunshine or want to squeeze the last few drops of heat out of summer, Rhodes is a great pick. Summer comes early to its long, sandy beaches, where you can still swim and sunbathe well into October.

You won’t struggle for a spot at Tsambika or Prasonisi Beach. Both have heaps of golden and silky soft sand. If you’re looking to top up your tan and boost your Instagram at the same time, St Paul’s Bay and Pefki have sun and stellar views combined, plus a handful of tavernas to keep you hydrated. Don't forget the sunblock.

Skiathos

Best place to stay in Greece for families

Greece is one of the Med's most family-friendly holiday destinations, and you'll find something to please kids of all ages in Skiathos.

Within an hour of touching down, families can be swimming and paddling at Koukounaries, a huge sweep of fine yellow sand that slopes gently into warm shallow water – perfect for smaller children. Even closer to the airport, Banana Beach has got big kid thrills covered with watersports ranging from wakeboarding to high-speed inflatable rides.

Mums and dads seeking a moment's peace from holiday parenting will find resort hotels with a packed portfolio of activities in Achladies and Agia Paraskevi. They come with the bonus of having all the essentials on your doorstep, from mini-marts to cafés and ice-cream shops.

Santorini

Best place to stay in Greece for couples

Greece's islands are dotted with romantic hideaways, but Santorini is the ultimate couples’ destination.

It’s all about sunset views in Oia and Imerovigli, gazing out over the island's deep blue caldera. You can take your pick of pampering places to stay in these hilltop havens – think boutique hotels with luxury perks such as fluffy bathrobes, infinity pools and in-room massages.

During the day, stroll hand in hand along the majestic black-sand of Perissa Beach, browse for souvenirs in the white-washed streets of Fira, or visit the Boutari Winery to sample distinctive wines made from unique grape varieties.

Mykonos

Best place to stay in Greece for food and beach bars

If you're a foodie, Mykonos is the island to aim for. From fine-dining restaurants specialising in Mediterranean-fusion to tiny tavernas serving sea-to-plate dishes, its culinary scene will keep you coming back for more.

For a taste of it all, base yourself in the island’s capital, Chora. Its restaurants are ever-evolving, so Greek classics are as much on the menu as Japanese sharing plates. Look out for local specialties including spicy kopanisti cheese and louza cured pork loin.

Mykonos’s beach bars are also full of flavour. Paradise Beach Club is equal parts DJs and daiquiris, while SantAnna on Paraga Beach is the island’s most sophisticated spot for a sundowner.

Kefalonia

Best place to stay in Greece on a budget

Greece and package holiday deals are old friends, so affordable breaks aren’t hard to come by. But one island does budget best: Kefalonia.

Its size gives it an advantage – it’s the largest of the Ionian islands – so you can expect an excellent choice of hotels and holiday rentals that aren’t accompanied by a hefty price tag. Look to Skala, Lassi and Fiskardo for the cheapest deals.

Going all-inclusive can make it easier for families to do the Greek islands on a budget, so it's worth checking out properties such as the San Giorgio Hotel in Skala with its two pools and on-site restaurant.

For things to do, the island’s natural surroundings provide entertainment for free. Beach hop around stunning white-sand bays (Myrtos is the postcard icon) and go hiking through fragrant cypress forests.

Zante

Best place to stay in Greece for nightlife

Greece’s nightlife is the stuff of legend, and Zante doesn’t back down from bringing the party.

Its largest south coast resort, Laganas, has made quite the name for itself as a dance ‘til dawn destination, so if you’re game for a good time, this is where to go on holiday in Greece. You won’t be left wanting for pubs, clubs or bars on the resort's main tourist strip – follow the neon lights and gaggle of twenty-somethings and you can’t miss it.

Elsewhere, Zante Town is a little less raucous, but still has an infectious buzz come nightfall. It’s your go-to spot for rooftop cocktails and al fresco pints.

For the latest party news, check out local nightlife hubs such as Naked Zante.

Corfu

Best place to stay in Greece for adventure activities

Whether you like your thrills beneath the waves or high above, there’s something to satisfy adventure-seekers of all kinds in Corfu.

Its spectacular coast, lapped by the topaz Ionian Sea, has some of the best dive sites in Europe, close to resorts like Messonghi, Paleokastritsa and Kassiopi. If discovering metre-long grouper in underwater caves doesn’t do it for you, skimming the waves on a catamaran is sure to.

Head inland and the island’s pine-clad countryside is a playground for hikers. The Corfu Trail will lead you to hidden lagoons and crumbing monasteries, while summiting Mount Pantokrator will take your adventure to new heights.

Addicted to the rush? Paragliding over Kontogialos Beach will take your adrenaline levels up a few notches.

Athens

Best place to stay in Greece for culture and history combined

Ancient history buffs are spoiled for choice in the cradle of one of Europe's oldest civilisations. You could spend a lifetime exploring the sites of mainland Greece, but Athens is the best place to start.

Must-sees include the iconic Parthenon atop the Acropolis, and below it, the columns of the Roman forum and ancient Agora, the hub of classical-era Athens. The National Archaeological Museum is also crammed with fascinating finds from archaeological digs all over Greece.

For a culture hit, the city’s neighbourhoods buzz virtually 24/7. After a day shopping in the Aladdin's Cave of the old flea market district, watch the sun set over the Acropolis from a hip rooftop bar in funky Monastiraki. Then, get away from the touristy hotbed of Plaka to discover bars and clubs in up-and-coming neighbourhoods such as Psiri, Metaxourgio and Exarchia.

Crete

Best all-rounder

Wondering where to go on holiday in Greece for a bit of everything? Crete ticks more than its fair share of boxes.

Its resorts come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own postcard-perfect beaches and charming seaside towns. Agios Nikolaos is well-catered to families, while ultra-luxe Paleochora is one of the best places to stay in Greece for couples.

If it’s history you’re after, Crete offers a collection of antiquities spanning more than 4,500 years, from the colourfully restored Palace of Knossos to the Roman and Byzantine ruins of Gortyn, on the island's south coast.

Party animals have got Malia’s infamously lively nightlife to get stuck into. Pack your dancing shoes.